The Stena Line Belfast Giants have announced the return of David Rutherford for the 2017/18 season.

In 60 games played for the organisation, the forward posted 22 goals and 35 assists, good for 57 points.

The 30-year-old spent the previous two seasons in Belfast and had moved home to Canada following the end of the 2016/17 season after helping the Giants to a second place finish and a spot in the Playoff Finals.

However Head Coach Adam Keefe has brought the fans' favourite back to Belfast ahead of a 10 game road swing.

Rutherford originally arrived in Belfast back in January 2016 from the Edinburgh Capitals when the Giants interrupted a move for the forward to the ECHL in North America.

The Canadian posted 21 goals and 29 assists, good for 50 points in in 53 games played in total in the 2015/16 season, including 18 points with the Giants.

Rutherford's first appearance will be at Colin Shields' tomorrow night at The SSE Arena with the forward returning to the Giants line-up this weekend for back-to-back road games against Coventry and Cardiff.

David Rutherford

Head Coach Keefe said: “When the opportunity came up to bring David Rutherford back to Belfast - the decision was pretty simple.

"He has already won championships in his career and he will play a huge part down the stretch this season.

“David has put up good numbers in Belfast over the last two years and and I know our fans will love seeing him in a Giants jersey once again.”

Meanwhile, Matt Bissonnette has played his last game for the Giants with the forward opting to leave the organisation for personal reasons.

Bissonnette joined the Giants in early October from the Manchester Storm with Keefe's side rocked by injuries.

In nine games played for the Giants, Bissonnette posted one goal and one assist - helping the side to a record of seven wins and two losses.

"I want to thank Matt for his contribution to the team over the last few months, helping out when we were short on bodies," said Head Coach Keefe.

"I want to wish Matt well in the future. We have already started the process to find a new addition that will strengthen the roster for the remainder of the season and we will hopefully have an announcement soon.”

Sunday evening had the highest scoring game the SSE Arena has seen this season, with the Giants scoring an astounding nine goals in a 9-3 win over Manchester Storm.

Steve Saviano netted four on the night as Keefe's men romped to victory.

The Giants scored four of those in the first five minutes, and after taking this lead they never looked back, dominating the EIHL leaders in a fast paced, high scoring battle.